George Washington is one of the founding fathers of our country, and his thoughts on the Constitution are still relevant today. He understood the importance of having a strong central government, and his quotes on the Constitution reflect that.
The constitution is the most important document for any country. George Washington knew this, and his quotes on the constitution reflect that. He understood the importance of having a strong central government, and his thoughts on the Constitution are still relevant today.
He was also instrumental in the development and ratification of the United States Constitution. In fact, he had a lot to say about the Constitution and what it means for America. Here are some of his most memorable quotes on the Constitution. Enjoy!
27 George Washington Quotes On The Constitution:
1.
“The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.”
– George Washington
2.
“If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.”
– George Washington
3.
“The constitution vests the power of declaring war in Congress; therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they shall have deliberated upon the subject and authorized such a measure.”
– George Washington
4.
“I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.”
– George Washington
5.
“To every description of citizens, let praise be given. but let them persevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious depository of American happiness, the Constitution of the United States. Let them cherish it, too, for the sake of those who, from every clime, are daily seeking a dwelling in our land.”
– George Washington
6.
“The power under the Constitution will always be in the people. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for a certain limited period, to representatives of their own choosing; and whenever it is executed contrary to their interest, or not agreeable to their wishes, their servants can, and undoubtedly will, be recalled.”
– George Washington
7.
“Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself.”
– George Washington
8.
“The adoption of the Constitution] will demonstrate as visibly the finger of Providence as any possible event in the course of human affairs can ever designate it.”
– George Washington
9.
“The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.”
– George Washington
10.
“It will at least be a recommendation to the proposed constitution that it is provided with more checks and barriers against the introduction of tyranny, and those of a nature less liable to be surmounted, than any government hitherto instituted among mortals hath possessed.”
– George Washington
11.
“If I could have entertained the slightest apprehension that the Constitution framed in the Convention where I had the honor to preside might possibly endanger the religious rights of any ecclesiastical society, certainly I would never have placed my signature to it.”
– George Washington
12.
“Our Constitution gives to bigotry no sanction.”
– George Washington
13.
“The Constitution that we have is an excellent one, if we can keep it where it is.”
– George Washington
14.
“Precedents are dangerous things; let the reins of government then be braced and held with a steady hand, and every violation of the Constitution be reprehended: If defective let it be amended, but not suffered to be trampled upon whilst it has an existence.”
– George Washington
15.
“The power under the Constitution will always be in the people.”
– George Washington
16.
“Should the States reject this excellent Constitution, the probability is, an opportunity will never again offer to cancel another in peacethe next will be drawn in blood.”
– George Washington
17.
“The tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism which adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt them. In these honorable qualifications, I behold the surest pledges, that as on one side, no local prejudices, or attachments; no seperate views, nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests: so, on another, that the foundations of our National policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality…”
– George Washington
18.
“The situation of the general government, if it can be called a government, is shaken to its foundation, and liable to be overturned by every blast.”
– George Washington
19.
“I wish the constitution, which is offered, had been made more perfect; but I sincerely believe it is the best that could be obtained at this time. And, as a constitutional door is opened for amendment hereafter, the adoption of it, under the present circumstances of the Union, is in my opinion desirable.”
– George Washington
20.
“The fundamental principle of our constitution … enjoins the sense of command, duty that the will of the majority shall prevail.”
– George Washington
21.
“Even the country’s first president chafed at the limits placed on him by the writers of the U.S. Constitution. From the nature of the Constitution, … I must approve all the parts of a bill, or reject it in toto.”
– George Washington
22.
“Next Monday the Convention in Virginia will assemble; we have still good hopes of its adoption here: though by no great plurality of votes. South Carolina has probably decided favourably before this time. The plot thickens fast. A few short weeks will determine the political fate of America for the present generation, and probably produce no small influence on the happiness of society through a long succession of ages to come.”
– George Washington
23.
“The Constitution which at any time exists, ’till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People is sacredly obligatory upon all.”
– George Washington
24.
“A small knowledge of human nature will convince us, that, with far the greatest part of mankind, interest is the governing principle… Few men are capable of making a continual sacrifice of all views of private interest, or advantage, to the common good. It is vain to exclaim against the depravity of human nature on this account; the fact is so, the experience of every age and nation has proved it and we must in a great measure, change the constitution of man, before we can make it otherwise. No institution, not built on the presumptive truth of these maxims can succeed.”
– George Washington
25.
“The foundation of a great Empire is laid, and I please myself with a persuasion, that Providence will not leave its work imperfect.”
– George Washington
26.
“Upon the whole I doubt whether the Benefits of opposition to the Constitution opposition to the Constitution will not ultimately be productive of more good than evil; it has called forth, in its defence, abilities which would not perhaps have been otherwise exerted that have thrown a new light upon the science of government, It has given the rights of man a full and fair discussion, and explained them in so clear and forcible a manner, as cannot fail to make a lasting impression.”
– George Washington
27.
“To the security of a free Constitution it [knowledge] contributes in various ways: by teaching the people themselves to know and to value their own rights, to discern and provide against invasions of them, to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of lawful authority, between burdens proceeding from a disregard to their convenience and those resulting from the inevitable exigencies of society.”
– George Washington
What did George Washington do at the Constitutional Convention?
His job was to make sure the convention ran smoothly and that all opinions were heard. By doing this, he helped create an atmosphere where people could express themselves without fear of repercussions from others in power or their own government back home.
How did George Washington feel about the Constitutional Convention?
Washington knew that the delegates needed time to debate and agree on a common foundation for their new country. He stayed largely silent, allowing other voices in attendance to take up space with arguments about what kind of government would be best suited for America’s future–a strong centralized leadership or loose collaboration among states?
Washington’s confidence in his fellow delegates prevented him from speaking out against a stronger central government or single executive leader.
Conclusion
The framers of the Constitution were brilliant men, and George Washington was one of the most influential figures in American history.
These quotes show that he understood not only the importance of the Constitution but also the need for it to be amended as times changed. His words are just as relevant today as they were when he first spoke them, and we would do well to remember them as we work to keep our democracy strong.
Hope you found this article helpful. If you want to learn more about George Washington and the Constitution, be sure to check out our other articles on the founding fathers. Thanks for reading!
You might also like:
- Benjamin Franklin’s Quotes On Democracy
- Thomas Jefferson’s Quotes About Democracy
- George Washington’s Quotes On Government
- Bob Marley Political Quotes
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